NEWS

Greenville area students raise $358K for charities

Angelia Davis
davisal@greenvilleonline.com
Make-A-Wish kids, Ethan and Evan, pictured with Greenville High student council officers during the school's Spirit Week celebration.

A friendly competition between two Greenville County high schools resulted in more than $350,000 for two local charities.

Greenville High and J.L. Mann competed during their 2015 Spirit Week to raise money for and awareness of the Make-A-Wish South Carolina and the Center for Developmental Services (CDS), respectively.

Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children who are diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. CDS is a multi-disciplinary treatment facility for children with disabilities and developmental delays.

Both schools spent the week holding numerous events to raise funds for their charity. They revealed the results of their efforts on the Friday night that their schools’ varsity football teams played against each other.

Greenville High raised $206,000.00 for Make-A-Wish South Carolina.

“The students at Greenville High School – and all of the kind and generous folks who supported their Spirit Week events – made meaningful investments in hope, strength and joy for children facing life-threatening medical conditions.” said Bill Tiller, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish South Carolina. “All of us at Make-A-Wish South Carolina are deeply grateful for the generous contribution from Greenville High School.”

J.L. Mann raised $151,422.85 for Center for Developmental Services during its 2015 Spirit Week.

J.L. Mann raised $151,422.85 for CDS.

“We are so proud of the J.L. Mann students and all their efforts in giving back to their community. It is inspiring to witness the impact of 1,700 future leaders all working toward a common goal,” said Dana McConnell, CDS executive director.

Spirit week funds will be used to increase the number of families served at CDS by maximizing building space, expanding outreach efforts, and enhancing program operations, a statement from CDS said.

A small portion of the proceeds J.L. Mann raises goes to fund that school's After-School Transportation Program. That program enables students at the school to stay late for extra academic help and tutoring sessions, or to participate in extra-curricular activities.